The Nationals place Tyler Walker on the disabled list

The Nationals placed reliever Tyler Walker on the 15-day disabled list late Monday night in order to give Walker a chance to heal shoulder inflammation in his right shoulder and to make room on their roster for Tuesday starter Craig Stammen.

Walker, who has a 3.57 ERA in 35 1/3 innings in his first season with the Nationals, last pitched June 19. On June 15, he threw 2 2/3 innings in Detroit against the Tigers and felt excruciating pain the next morning.

"I could barely lift my arm," Walker said.

When the Nationals returned home, Walker underwent an MRI exam. It showed no structural damage but revealed significant inflammation in his AC joint. Walker could still pitch, and he has warmed up during several games since.

Walker said he "begrudgingly" accepted the trip to the disabled list, but he also saw the benefit. With the time off, Walker will be able to receive a cortisone shot in his shoulder.

"It just doesn't feel like it's getting over the hump," Walker said.

He will also be eligible to come off the DL in less than a week, since the Nationals can retroactively start his 15-day on the last day he pitched.